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HARTFORD, Conn. & BOSTON--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Northeast Utilities subsidiaries NSTAR Gas and Yankee Gas have earned the top two rankings in customer satisfaction among residential natural gas customers in the Eastern U.S., according to a recently released J. D. Power and Associates survey. The survey of 10 of the east regionas midsized gas utilities puts NSTAR Gas of Massachusetts at the top of the list, followed closely by Yankee Gas of Connecticut.

"Natural gas is increasingly the fuel of choice in our region and local residents are putting their trust in us to keep their families warm during our cold New England winters."

aOur unyielding attention to customer satisfaction and reliable service is clearly having a positive impact on how our customers view us,a said Rod Powell, President of NSTAR Gas and Yankee Gas. aNatural gas is increasingly the fuel of choice in our region and local residents are putting their trust in us to keep their families warm during our cold New England winters.a

NSTAR Gas achieved its first place ranking for the second consecutive year, while Yankee Gas rose to its second place ranking from third place in 2011. According to J. D. Power and Associates, overall customer satisfaction is measured by using six factors: billing and payment, price, corporate citizenship, communications, customer service, and field service.

aWe will continue to work hard every day to exceed our customersa expectations and earn their business,a Powell added. aOur long-term goal as we increase local access to natural gas service is to remain at the top in terms of satisfaction, building upon the foundation weave laid.a

About NU

Northeast Utilities (NU) operates New Englandas largest energy delivery company. NU and its companies are committed to safety, reliability, environmental leadership and stewardship, as well as expanding energy options for its more than 3 million electric and natural gas customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Headquartered in Boston, MA and Hartford, CT, NU is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NU. Learn more about NU and its family of companies at nu.com.